Electrostimulation Device and Face Mask Comprising Said Device

ABSTRACT

An electrostimulation device comprises at least one shell ( 2 ) forming an inner compartment ( 21 ) and comprising an opening ( 22 ); at least one electrode ( 3 ) located at least partly outside the corresponding shell ( 2 ) at the opening ( 22 ). The device is characterised by the fact that the electrode ( 3 ) is connected to an articulated joint ( 4 ). The articulated joint ( 4 ) is at least partly inside the shell ( 2 ) and mobile in its seat ( 41 ). The electrode ( 3 ) can be angled and moved relative to the shell ( 2 ) as a result of the freedom of movement of the articulated joint ( 4 ) in its seat ( 41 ) depending on the anatomical form and structure of the treatment zone ( 8 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a muscular electrostimulation deviceand a face mask comprising said device.

Muscular electrostimulation devices are normally used to allow thepassive exercising of muscles in many areas of the human body. Inparticular, the present invention is advantageously used in thetreatment of facial muscles to recover muscle tone and combat the signsof ageing.

BACKGROUND ART

Muscular electrostimulation devices of the type described in patentdocument EP0603451 are known. Such devices comprise an outer case with apair of electrodes and a handgrip. The case has a seat with an openingfor each of the electrodes. In the home position said opening is blockedby the electrode held in position by a helical spring, whilst the seatcontains a conducting liquid. After pressure is applied to the electrodeby the area of the patient being treated, the resistance of the springis overcome. As a result, the electrode moves and the liquid originallyin the seat flows out, wetting the skin and improving electricalconductivity.

The muscular electrostimulation devices described above have severaldisadvantages.

In particular, at dips or bumps on the face, the pair of electrodesdescribed above are unable to precisely follow the outline of thesurfaces of the body being treated. Poor electrical contact between theelectrode and the surface being treated results in the user feelingdiscomfort, pain and in extreme cases forms of skin burns.

Devices are also known which use electrodes and adhesive gels which areexpensive and inconvenient on the face because they do not allow anymovement once positioned. The gel is also expensive and dirties the zonetreated.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioneddisadvantages by providing a muscular electrostimulation device whichallows the patient to avoid pain, discomfort and burns.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide an electrostimulationdevice which allows the plurality of electrodes to follow the outline ofthe surface to be treated even in critical zones such as dips or bumpson the human body.

Yet another aim of the present invention is to provide a face maskcomprising said electrostimulation device, the mask being particularlyconvenient to use.

These aims and others, which are more apparent in the description whichfollows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by anelectrostimulation device with the structural and functionalcharacteristics described in the independent claims herein. Alternativeembodiments of the device are described in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail below, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred non-limitingembodiment of the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of the device in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a construction detail illustrated inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of the device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another configuration of the device inaccordance with the invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of two examples of application of the device inaccordance with the invention illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate further configurations of the device inaccordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description is supplied by way of example and isnon-limiting.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes amuscular electrostimulation device of the type comprising at least oneshell 2. The shell 2 has an inner compartment 21. The shell 2 alsocomprises at least one opening 22. The inner compartment 21 preferablyhas the shape of a cylindrical chamber 210 which tends to have a smallercross-section at the opening 22. The opening 22 is preferably positionedat one end of the shell 2. In particular, the opening 22 is positionedat a base of the cylindrical chamber 210. The electrostimulation device1 also comprises at least one electrode 3. The electrode 3 is located atleast partly outside the shell 2 at the opening 22.

The device is characterised by the fact that each electrode 3 isconnected to an articulated joint 4. The articulated joint 4 constitutesan articulated connection between the electrode 3 and the shell 2 insuch a way that the electrode 3 and the shell 2 can move relative to oneanother without any loss of cohesion. The articulated joint 4 is atleast partly inside the shell 2. The articulated joint 4 is also mobilein its own seat 41. The electrode 3 can be angled and moved relative tothe shell 2 as a result of the freedom of movement of the articulatedjoint 4 in its seat 41, depending on the anatomical form and structureof the treatment zone 8. In particular, according to a preferred butnon-limiting configuration, the electrostimulation device 1 comprises atleast one pair of electrodes 3 and corresponding shells 2. This isillustrated for example in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6. In this configuration acase 10 connects the shells 2 of the various electrodes 3. The variouselectrodes 3 brought into contact with the patient's treatment zone 8allow the electrical circuit to be made. This electrical circuit isconnected to a voltage or current generator. Advantageously, theelectrical current generated is an alternating pulsing current. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, even close to dips or bumps on the face such asthe chin, jaws, arch of the eyebrows, forehead, the electrostimulationdevice 1 allows optimisation of the contact between each electrode 3 andthe treatment zone 8. However, the muscular electrostimulation device 1can also be used on parts of the body other than the face.

The electrode 3 comprises a first portion 31 which during use is locatedclose to the treatment zone 8. The electrode 3 also comprises a secondportion 32 which connects the first portion 31 to the articulated joint4.

Advantageously, the electrode 3 is shaped like a mushroom. The firstportion 31 corresponds to the mushroom cap. The second portion 32corresponds to the mushroom stalk. As illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, the first portion 31 comprises a plate-shaped head 311.

The first portion 31 comprises a first surface 310 which during use isopposite the treatment zone 8. Said first surface 310 is advantageouslydome-shaped. Alternatively, the first surface 310 could also be flat.

In the embodiments illustrated the electrode 3 could form part of asingle body with the articulated joint 4.

In an alternative configuration, the electrode 3 is removably connectedto the articulated joint 4, for example by a threaded connection. Inthis way, the electrode 3 can be removed and substituted with anotherelectrode 3 specially shaped to allow treatment of a particular zone ofthe face or body.

The articulated joint 4 and the electrode 3 are made of a material whichconducts electricity. The electrode 3 is advantageously made ofstainless steel or nickel-plated brass.

The first surface 310 is covered by a spongy element 5 which is soakedbefore each treatment to give it good electrical conductivity.Advantageously, said spongy element 5 is soaked in water or in anotherliquid which conducts electricity. The spongy element 5 is preferablymade of pure cellulose, an ideal material for holding water withoutcausing any type of skin allergy.

The use of water is particularly advantageous both in terms ofinexpensiveness and because it does not dirty the treatment zone 8.

The spongy element 5 is removably connected to the first portion 31 ofthe electrode 3.

The spongy element 5 is preferably irremovably connected to a support 51for connection to the first portion 31 of the electrode 3. The support51 is preferably made of PVC foam. The spongy element 5 and the support51 are suitably coupled by industrial bonding techniques.

The support 51 is suitably punched so that it surrounds the firstportion 31 of the electrode 3 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The spongy elements 5 are periodically substituted when dirty or worn.

Thanks to the support 51, the spongy element 5 can be substituted easilyand rapidly. The spongy element 5 is also shaped in such a way that itallows a large contact surface with the skin, thus improving treatmentcomfort.

The relatively low cost of the spongy element 5 and the support 51relative to the entire electrostimulation device 1 also allows theirsubstitution every time the electrostimulation device 1 is used by a newpatient. This makes it hygienic.

The electrostimulation device 1 comprises elastic means 6 in thecompartment 21 which elastically suspend the articulated joint 4.

The elastic means 6 comprise a helical spring 61. The helical spring 61is made of a material which conducts electricity, preferably metal. Thehelical spring 61 has a longitudinal axis 611. When the skin of thetreatment zone 8 is simply pressed, the articulated joint 4 can slide inthe compartment 21, compressing the elastic means 6, in particular thehelical spring 61. For each electrode 3, the electrostimulation device 1comprises a conductor element 62 located in contact with the helicalspring 61. The helical spring 61 is in turn in electrical contact withthe electrode 3 by means of the articulated joint 4. The conductorelement 62 preferably comprises a ring 63 to which a lead 64 isconnected, in turn connected to the electricity supply 65.

The seat 41 is at least partly formed by an inner surface 23 of theshell 2 close to the opening 22.

The seat 41 is at least partly formed by a coil 610 of the helicalspring 61 closest to the opening 22.

The articulated joint 4 can rotate freely through 360° about thelongitudinal axis 611 of the helical spring 61. Consequently theelectrode 3 can also rotate freely through 360° about the longitudinalaxis 611 of the helical spring 61.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6 the articulated joint 4 is,advantageously, a ball joint.

The inner surface 23 of the shell 2, close to the opening 22 forms acontact surface 230 for the articulated joint 4. The articulated joint 4is, advantageously, pressed against said contact surface 230 by thehelical spring 61. The contact surface 230 consists of a surface shapedto match the articulated joint 4 and converging towards the longitudinalaxis 611 of the spring 61. The articulated joint 4 is preferably a balljoint and the opening 22 is circular. In such a case the diameter of theopening 22 is smaller than the diameter of the articulated joint 4 ball.

Advantageously, the electrode 3 is shaped according to a symmetricalaxis. The electrode 3 may be moved in an operating cone. The vertex ofthe cone coincides with the centre of rotation of the articulated joint4. The maximum angle of opening of said cone is determined by thecontact between the second portion 32 of the electrode 3 and the contactsurface 230 of the shell 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the electrostimulation device 1 comprises aplurality of electrodes 3, of the type previously described, which canbe applied on the treatment zone 8. In particular in FIG. 7 theelectrostimulation device 1 comprises four electrodes 3 connected to thesame case 10.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a face mask 7 comprising a plurality ofelectrostimulation devices 1 of the type previously described. In thisway, each electrode 3 is positioned at the muscles of a specific area ofthe face. Advantageously, the mask 7 is transparent. In this way, theelectrodes 3 can be precisely positioned by an external operator on thepoints of application requested by the patient. To facilitate thisoperation, advantageously, the mask 7 comprises handgrips (notillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11) at each electrode 3. The mask 7electrodes 3 can be arranged in pairs. In another configuration there isa plurality of electrodes 3 operating in sequence, sending electricalpulses. By operating these electrodes 3 in sequence, one after another,the mask 7, in each portion corresponding to half of the face,advantageously comprises only one shared electrode 3 having the functionof making the electrical circuit.

The invention brings important advantages.

Firstly, the device allows patients to avoid discomfort, pain or skinnecrosis.

Secondly, it allows uniform treatment of the various zones of the body,even those where there are dips or bumps. The complete mobility in alldirections of the electrode 3 allows it to adapt to the shape of thearea treated.

Another important advantage is the maximum hygiene linked tointerchangeability of the spongy element which makes contact with thepatient's skin.

The invention described may be modified and adapted without therebydeparting from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by othertechnically equivalent elements.

In practice, all of the materials used, as well as the dimensions may beany, according to requirements.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. An electrostimulation device of the typecomprising: at least one shell (2) forming an inner compartment (21),the shell (2) comprising at least one opening (22); at least oneelectrode (3) located at least partly outside the corresponding shell(2) at the opening (22); the device being characterised in that theelectrode (3) is connected to an articulated joint (4), the articulatedjoint (4) being at least partly inside the shell (2) and mobile in itsseat (41), it being possible to angle and move the electrode (3)relative to the shell (2) as a result of the freedom of movement of thearticulated joint (4) in its seat (41) depending on the anatomical formand structure of the treatment zone (8).
 19. The electrostimulationdevice according to claim 18, characterised in that the electrode (3)comprises a first portion (31) which during use is located close to thesurface to be treated and a second portion (32) which connects the firstportion (31) to the articulated joint (4).
 20. The electrostimulationdevice according to claim 19, characterised in that the electrode (3) isshaped like a mushroom, the first portion (31) corresponding to themushroom cap and the second portion (32) corresponding to the mushroomstalk.
 21. The electrostimulation device according to claim 19,characterised in that the first portion (31) comprises a first surface(310) which during use is opposite the treatment zone (8), the firstsurface (310) being dome-shaped.
 22. The electrostimulation deviceaccording to claim 20, characterised in that the first portion (31)comprises a first surface (310) which during use is opposite thetreatment zone (8), the first surface (310) being dome-shaped.
 23. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 21, characterised in thatthe first surface (310) is covered by a spongy element (5) which issoaked before each treatment to give it good electrical conductivity.24. The electrostimulation device according to claim 22, characterisedin that the first surface (310) is covered by a spongy element (5) whichis soaked before each treatment to give it good electrical conductivity.25. The electrostimulation device according to claim 23, characterisedin that the spongy element (5) is removably connected to the firstportion (31) of the electrode (3).
 26. The electrostimulation deviceaccording to claim 24, characterised in that the spongy element (5) isremovably connected to the first portion (31) of the electrode (3). 27.The electrostimulation device according to claim 23, characterised inthat the spongy element (5) is irremovably connected to a support (51)for connection to the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 28. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 24, characterised in thatthe spongy element (5) is irremovably connected to a support (51) forconnection to the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 29. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 25, characterised in thatthe spongy element (5) is irremovably connected to a support (51) forconnection to the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 30. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 26, characterised in thatthe spongy element (5) is irremovably connected to a support (51) forconnection to the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 31. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 27, characterised in thatthe support (51) is punched so that it surrounds the first portion (31)of the electrode (3).
 32. The electrostimulation device according toclaim 28, characterised in that the support (51) is punched so that itsurrounds the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 33. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 29, characterised in thatthe support (51) is punched so that it surrounds the first portion (31)of the electrode (3).
 34. The electrostimulation device according toclaim 30, characterised in that the support (51) is punched so that itsurrounds the first portion (31) of the electrode (3).
 35. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 18, characterised in thatthe electrode (3) is removably connected to the articulated joint (4).36. The electrostimulation device according to claim 18, characterisedin that the articulated joint (4) and the electrode (3) are made of amaterial that conducts electricity.
 37. The electrostimulation deviceaccording to claim 18, comprising elastic means (6) in the compartment(21) which elastically suspend the articulated joint (4).
 38. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 19, comprising elasticmeans (6) in the compartment (21) which elastically suspend thearticulated joint (4).
 39. The electrostimulation device according toclaim 20, comprising elastic means (6) in the compartment (21) whichelastically suspend the articulated joint (4).
 40. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 37, characterised in thatthe elastic means (6) comprise a helical spring (61).
 41. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 38, characterised in thatthe elastic means (6) comprise a helical spring (61).
 42. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 39, characterised in thatthe elastic means (6) comprise a helical spring (61).
 43. Theelectrostimulation device according to claim 18, characterised in thatthe seat (41) is at least partly formed by a shell (2) inner surface(23) close to the opening (22).
 44. The electrostimulation deviceaccording to claim 18, characterised in that the seat (41) is at leastpartly formed by a spring (61) coil (610) closest to the opening (22).45. The electrostimulation device according to claim 43, characterisedin that the seat (41) is at least partly formed by a spring (61) coil(610) closest to the opening (22).
 46. The electrostimulation deviceaccording claim 18, characterised in that the articulated joint (4) is aball joint.
 47. The electrostimulation device according to claim 18,comprising at least one pair of electrodes (3) and corresponding shells(2).
 48. A face mask comprising an electrostimulation device (1)according to claim 18.